Self-Cleaning Filter Plunger Mechanism for Tunnel Washers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filters in tunnel washers require frequent cleaning and are costly and complex, failing to efficiently manage solid debris in recirculated water, which can clog nozzles and disrupt the filtration process.

Innovation Solution

A self-cleaning filter assembly with a perforated wall and a plunger mechanism that moves between positions to remove solid debris from the filter chamber, preventing clogging and maintaining efficient filtration without the need for frequent maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a filter is used to remove solid debris from recirculated water, then nozzle clogging is prevented, but the filter requires frequent cleaning operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenozzle clogging preventionVSAvoidfilter cleaning frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The filter assembly performs self-cleaning through an automated plunger mechanism that periodically removes accumulated debris from the filter chamber, eliminating the need for manual cleaning operations while maintaining continuous filtration effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The plunger mechanism performs preliminary cleaning actions by mechanically removing debris before it can accumulate to problematic levels, preventing filter performance degradation and extending operational cycles between maintenance events

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If existing filter cleaning devices are used, then filter maintenance is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter maintenance effectivenessVSAvoidcleaning device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter assembly is designed to clean itself through an integrated plunger mechanism that operates within the filter chamber, eliminating the need for external cleaning devices and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the cleaning function from separate complex cleaning devices and integrates it directly into the filter assembly structure, simplifying the overall system while maintaining effective maintenance capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The self-cleaning filter assembly effectively filters water with significant solid debris, minimizes maintenance requirements, and reduces manufacturing costs by preventing nozzle clogging and ensuring continuous operation.

Implementation Method 1

a scraper element operable to remove solid debris from said chamber, said scraper element fixed at a first end of the plunger extending into said chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical scraping: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentUS7883624B2Self-cleaning filter for washers

Publication Date: 2011.02.08 STERIS CORP

AI summary

A self-cleaning filter for a washing apparatus. Water entering a filter assembly travels along a spiral pathway that facilitates the separation of heavy solid debris from the water. A filter element prevents both light and heavy solid debris from entering a conduit leading to spray nozzles, thereby preventing clogging of the nozzles. In a filter cleaning operation, solid debris is removed from the filter assembly.